For 30 years, companies have been patenting human genes. Yes, the very genetic material of our bodies, of our DNA, albeit in isolated forms. For longer than that, debates have been incessant -- in the scientific community, between businesses, and in the courts -- over whether or not this practice is legal, let alone ethical. Earlier this month, an Australian court heard yet another case about the legality of gene patenting, ultimately defending the practice. This spring, media attention over the controversy will shift back to the US as a similar case (originally heard in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York) will be heard by the Supreme Court.
Last month, the Australian Federal Court ruled that isolated genetic material is patentable in Australia because the isolation involved requires skills and expertise that make it akin to manufacturing a product. In other words, the court ruled that human genes, if successfully isolated from their natural state, may rightfully be patented -- in this case, by Myriad Genetics (NASDAQ:MYGN). The company holds patents on BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which have been linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. The patent means that Myriad Genetics -- and the Australian company it licenses the patents to, Genetic Technologies (PINK:GNTLF) -- have the exclusive right to run expensive tests for these particular genes, which is what caused Cancer Voices Australia and a breast cancer survivor named Yvonne D’Arcy to file a suit against Myriad Genetics. The case’s outcome is good news for Myriad, but this spring, the US Supreme Court will hear a case on gene patenting and determine whether this practice is legal or not in the USA. The outcome could have very wide-reaching implications. The Case Against Gene Patenting
Arguments against gene patenting claim it is wrong both as a matter of science since it limits research, and as a matter of business since it limits and opportunities that could be created by that research.
BRCA1 is a very useful indicator for scientist and doctors. In women who have the gene BRCA1, there is a 50% to 60% chance of developing breast cancer by the age of 70, while there is a 35% to 46% chance of developing ovarian cancer by 70. Obviously many women would want to know if they possess the gene, and therefore, a likelihood of cancer, and only Myriad and the companies it licenses to can conduct the test. Therefore prices are extremely high. (Myriad charges $3,500 for the diagnostic test.)
To understand what is at stake with the upcoming upcoming Supreme Court decision, I spoke with Dr. Diane Allingham-Hawkins, the Senior Director of Genetic Test Evaluation Program at the health care consulting firm Hayes, Inc. According to her, gene patents restrict who can do what kind of test, limiting the potential for beneficial research. Even though patents protect only isolated genetic material, and not that material in its natural form, for scientific research, it's only the isolated form that is useful. Only Myriad or a company it licenses the patent to can do any kind of legal research on BRCA1.
The case that is supporting patenting is focused on gaining the most money from customers, if this gene was open to all compition then a prescription drug or cure would be found sooner and cost less for the public to own.
Last month, the Australian Federal Court ruled that isolated genetic material is patentable in Australia because the isolation involved requires skills and expertise that make it akin to manufacturing a product. In other words, the court ruled that human genes, if successfully isolated from their natural state, may rightfully be patented -- in this case, by Myriad Genetics (NASDAQ:MYGN). The company holds patents on BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which have been linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. The patent means that Myriad Genetics -- and the Australian company it licenses the patents to, Genetic Technologies (PINK:GNTLF) -- have the exclusive right to run expensive tests for these particular genes, which is what caused Cancer Voices Australia and a breast cancer survivor named Yvonne D’Arcy to file a suit against Myriad Genetics. The case’s outcome is good news for Myriad, but this spring, the US Supreme Court will hear a case on gene patenting and determine whether this practice is legal or not in the USA. The outcome could have very wide-reaching implications.
The Case Against Gene Patenting
Arguments against gene patenting claim it is wrong both as a matter of science since it limits research, and as a matter of business since it limits
BRCA1 is a very useful indicator for scientist and doctors. In women who have the gene BRCA1, there is a 50% to 60% chance of developing breast cancer by the age of 70, while there is a 35% to 46% chance of developing ovarian cancer by 70. Obviously many women would want to know if they possess the gene, and therefore, a likelihood of cancer, and only Myriad and the companies it licenses to can conduct the test. Therefore prices are extremely high. (Myriad charges $3,500 for the diagnostic test.)
To understand what is at stake with the upcoming upcoming Supreme Court decision, I spoke with Dr. Diane Allingham-Hawkins, the Senior Director of Genetic Test Evaluation Program at the health care consulting firm Hayes, Inc. According to her, gene patents restrict who can do what kind of test, limiting the potential for beneficial research. Even though patents protect only isolated genetic material, and not that material in its natural form, for scientific research, it's only the isolated form that is useful. Only Myriad or a company it licenses the patent to can do any kind of legal research on BRCA1.
Read more: http://www.minyanville.com/sectors/biotech-pharma/articles/The-Debate-Over-Patenting-Human-Genes/3/5/2013/id/48326?page=full#ixzz2Nl5Ak4y9
The case that is supporting patenting is focused on gaining the most money from customers, if this gene was open to all compition then a prescription drug or cure would be found sooner and cost less for the public to own.